Master of Journalism & Communication
Media with impact.
Domestic
International
Gain the hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge to be part of the future of the global news media industries.
Faculty
Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Award
Master of Journalism and Communication
Commencing Terms
Term 1, Term 2, Term 3
Duration (Full Time)
1-2 Year(s) Full-time
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
The UNSW Master of Journalism and Communication is a two-year full-time postgraduate university degree in contemporary journalism, media studies and communications.
UNSW consistently ranks 51-100 in the world for Media (QS World University Rankings 2023) and is a leader amongst Australian universities. This master’s degree will empower you with the hands-on skills and theoretical knowledge to understand and shape the global news media and communication industries.
Key features
Make an impact
Through this degree, you’ll learn the concepts that underpin ethical journalism and put them into practice through professional experience. Alongside this, you’ll have the opportunity to take electives with experts in the humanities, including globalisation, politics and climate change.
Research project
In your final semester of study, you'll have the option to devise and independently undertake a major research project.
Prepare for the professional world
Through our student-led news platform, Newsworthy you’ll have the opportunity to build a portfolio of real-world journalism. As you learn by doing, you’ll be mentored by seasoned industry professionals, including Connie Levett, former Digital Editor at The Sydney Morning Herald.
You’ll also undertake a media internship as part of the degree through which you’ll gain up to 150 hours work experience with a host organisation, giving you industry experience and connections.
Learn with technology
UNSW focuses on learning through new and emerging technologies to ensure you’re experienced with the tools you’ll use as a professional. Our facilities contain the most current technologies, including media production equipment, advanced software and mobile journalism kits.
Deep critical thinking
You’ll be taught by research leaders with significant industry experience, who will guide you in understanding and critiquing the past, present and future of our media landscape. Understanding how journalism and communications relate to national and global politics, government, corporate communication, and digital media will enable you to predict shifts in Australian and global media industries, setting you up for dynamic and adaptable career.
Why study this degree at UNSW?
- Practice in state-of-the-art production spaces
- Adobe Creative Cloud subscription included from the day you start your degree for the duration of your studies
- Be supported by our diverse, open and inclusive Arts, Design & Architecture community.
- Learn through research-informed teaching
- Prioritise career success – UNSW won the Australian Financial Review’s Most Employable Students Award in 2023.
- Benefit from strong industry links and partnerships
- Access world-class alumni connections
- Join a global top 50 university (QS World University Rankings, 2023)
Program Code
8232
CRICOS Code
083249K
Campus
Kensington
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
96
Indicative Enrolments
123
Want to see more from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture?
Entry requirements
UNSW recognises professional experience. If you've worked in a relevant industry, you may be eligible for credit points that would allow you to complete the one-year, full-time program.
One-year accelerated program/ Stream A
You’ll need one of the following:
- Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%, plus one year relevant professional experience.
- Honours degree or Graduate Diploma* (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.
1.7 year program/ Stream B
You’ll need one of the following:
- Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline, with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.
- Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%, plus one year relevant professional experience.
- Honours degree or Graduate Diploma* (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.
Two-year program/ Stream C
You’ll need:
- Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.
*It is expected that a Graduate Diploma will have been completed after an undergraduate degree.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
UNSW recognises professional experience. If you've worked in a relevant industry, you may be eligible for credit points that would allow you to complete the one-year, full-time program.
One-year accelerated program/ Stream A
You’ll need one of the following:
- Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%, plus one year relevant professional experience.
- Honours degree or Graduate Diploma* (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.
1.7 year program/ Stream B
You’ll need one of the following:
- Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline, with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.
- Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%, plus one year relevant professional experience.
- Honours degree or Graduate Diploma* (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.
Two-year program/ Stream C
You’ll need:
- Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.
*It is expected that a Graduate Diploma will have been completed after an undergraduate degree.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Program structure
This program is structured to acknowledge and recognise the unique experience you bring to your postgraduate education. If you have relevant professional and academic experience, you can complete the Master of Journalism and Communication in two years full-time (or the part-time equivalent), or as a 1.7 or one-year streamlined program.
The number of, and which courses you study will depend on which program you undertake. See below for a breakdown of what you can study in each iteration of the degree.
Full program structure
Each university year at UNSW has three terms and an optional summer study period. You can study full-time or part-time. Depending on how you plan your study load, you can fit two or three courses into a term and one course in a summer term.
Below is a summary of what you will study in each available stream of the program:
Journalism and Communications Stream A | one year | 8 courses | 48 units of credit (UOC)
- 2 Advanced Journalism core courses
- 4+ Prescribed elective courses
- 1 Research preparation course
- 1 Research project (optional pathway)
Journalism and Communications Stream B | 1.7 years | 10 courses | 72 units of credit (UOC)
- 2 Advanced Journalism core courses
- 4 Media/Journalism courses
- 2+ Prescribed elective courses
- 1 Research preparation course
- 1 Research project (optional pathway)
Journalism and Communications Stream C | two years | 14 courses | 72 units of credit (UOC)
- 2 Advanced Journalism core courses
- 6 Media/Journalism courses
- 4+ Prescribed elective courses
- 1 Research preparation course
- 1 Research project (optional pathway)
Research project
In your final semester of study, you'll have the option to devise and independently undertake a major research project. You'll specialise in an area of interest and build further depth and expertise in that area. Before undertaking the project, you’ll complete a research preparation course.
If you’re eligible to study either of the streamlined programs, you’ll receive credit points for three six subjects.
For further information on the coursework, course listing, descriptions and timetables please see the UNSW Online Handbook.
Future careers
Whether you’re an industry professional wanting to progress your career, or you’re hoping to move into the journalism, news and media industries, you’ll graduate from the Master of Journalism and Communication with the confidence, experience and knowledge to go after what you want.
Potential careers
You’ll learn dynamic knowledge and adaptable skills, setting you up for diverse career paths in:
- Journalism
- Public relations
- Corporate communications
- Digital media
- Film, television and radio
- Government roles
- Education
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
2023 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$27,360
2023 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$55,200*
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
2023 Indicative First Year Fee
$38,305*
2023 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$77,835*
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
-
Top 50WorldwideQS World University Rankings, 2020.
-
MostEmployable GraduatesAFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
-
LeadingInnovation#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
"We spent tutorials discussing, and role-playing media issues and opportunities for non-profits and were tasked with creating a press campaign plan for an existing NGO. It was exactly the kind of practical experience I was looking for."
